Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums are great in removing dust, pet hair and other messes from carpet and hard floors. They leave a lot of debris on furniture and baseboards.
Many models can be controlled by an app for smartphones, but others rely on physical remotes for operation. Certain models come with advanced features like LiDAR navigation or floor plans that can be modified.
Object Avoidance
The most efficient robot vacuums feature sophisticated navigation systems that stay clear of obstacles like furniture, walls and cords. They also feature object-avoidance technology to detect pets, toys and other debris that could get in the path or get caught in the suction blades. These features will save you time cleaning by keeping your robot from getting stuck under the couch or behind the bed and allowing it to complete its assigned room cleaning more efficiently.
Some of the most advanced robots like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ make use of cameras and lasers to create maps. This allows them to navigate more precisely and accurately. They can also detect changes in your home, such as when you move furniture. This isn't something that every robot is equipped with, but it can significantly improve the efficiency and comfort of your new gadget.
A lot of the cheaper models rely on simple bump sensors to guide them throughout your home. They are able to work in most circumstances however they can get hung up on items that are too close such as lamp cords and shoes. The cheaper robots lack the capability to learn from a missed obstacle and you may have to create electronic keep-out zones around your home for specific objects.
Even the most efficient robot vacuums can get caught up in larger objects such as large dog poop splatters or even chair legs. If the object is too big the robot may not be able to lift it and may be forced to push it to the edges of the room, leaving ugly skid marks on your floors. In the case of pets or cats it is possible to block their path using the use of a box, piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which some robots allow you to configure in the application).
The more advanced robotic vacuums on this list utilize object detection under low and optimal lighting conditions to determine what's right in front of them. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI, and OMNI robots. This technology is able to detect more than 30 types of obstacles under optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Basses
Whether you have allergies or simply don't have time to manually empty a robot vacuum's dustbin after every cleaning session self-emptying bases are an excellent feature to look for. They can hold between 45 to 60 days worth of waste, meaning they must be cleaned more frequently than the bin on the robot's own.
Many of the top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature that includes iRobot's Roomba i3+ and i7+ models, Shark's AI robot, the Roborock S8, and several others. But, you'll need purchase the self-emptying base on your own, in the event that it is not included with the robot vacuum.
Aside from reducing the amount of time you spend on cleaning, a self-emptying base will also help you save money on dust bags that need to be replaced and keep your home cleaner. Depending on the brand certain bases come with separate filters that are able to trap allergens, however they will require cleaning regularly. It is recommended to use the manufacturer's recommended filters and accessories to ensure optimal performance.
Another aspect to consider is the amount of suction power a robot can draw from. Although there isn't a universal power scale that all companies follow, some provide Pascal (Pa) levels to give an idea of the robot's performance. In general the greater the Pa rating the stronger the vacuum.
Finally, a good robot should come with features that are easy to use and a user's guide that is easy to comprehend. A well-written manual can assist you in learning the basics and help you troubleshoot common problems, which is essential as these machines aren't inexpensive. You should look for a thorough guide that explains setup maintenance, troubleshooting and setup tips. If you're using a mobile application to control the robot, you'll be able view the available settings and configure them according to zones, rooms or individual floor surfaces. Certain apps let you schedule specific cleaning times and even allow you to voice-command the robot. Many popular brands let you create customized cleaning plans and create virtual no-go zones. The most effective robots allow you to save a cleaning plan and come back to it at any time. If you fail to complete the task, the robot will continue where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums might not have the same power of full-sized upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums but their motors are energy efficient. Therefore, the most efficient robot vacuums run for hours on one charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning themselves when they get to their base without the need to take them back there. In our tests, a battery lifespan of 90-100 minutes is sufficient for the majority of households and allows you to clean the entire house in one go.
The average dust bin on a robot vacuum will need to be cleaned every few cleanings. This is a tedious task, especially when you have a large home or lots of pet hair and dander that you need to get rid of from your floors. This is where a self-emptying robot vacuum can help you avoid a lot of frustration. self vacuum lets the vacuum empty its own dustbin, and even wash and dry its filter after every use to ensure it is ready for its next session of vacuuming.
Many robot vacuums also have a built-in or removable water tank that allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is particularly useful when you have tiled or hardwood floors that require some extra attention between regular vacuuming sessions. However, these robots typically don't have the same amount of suction as a traditional vacuum does and often struggle with liquid spills.
Consider a robot which can mop and vacuum simultaneously, such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. These two top choices are both high-quality and offer great value. They both have a decent suction level and come with a big, self-emptying base station. They may not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our top-rated robots, therefore, they may not be able to tackle the entire house with a single charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands free mopping robot. The inexpensive model doesn't come with an integrated or removable water reservoir, but it does have a nice level of suction (2,500 Pascals (or Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S isn't able to vacuum stairs or furniture however it's an excellent choice to keep your floors looking clean between mopping and vacuuming by hand.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums can help you save time and effort, they require regular maintenance. Certain models require less effort than others. Choose a model that has self-emptying bottoms to reduce the amount of time you need to empty the bin manually during cleaning. This feature is particularly useful if you have pets that shed a lot, or if you often forget to mop and sweep.
Most of our top picks have additional features that help reduce cleaning time. They include rotating brushes and suction. Consider a multi-surface cleaner with mopping pads that can be removed, which are easy to attach and holds well or a vacuum that has LiDAR navigation that detects dirt spots in your home, which is why it reduces the time to thoroughly clean them.
Certain models let you set a cleaning schedule and designate rooms to be cleaned, and also use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum using your voice. Some models have advanced software that can understand your home's layout and navigate around obstacles. However, you will have to pay a premium for these features.
You can find robot vacuums that fit any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro which works on floors made of wood to the $1,600 Roborock Q5Max+ that can mop and vacuum both carpeting and hardwoods. Like most things, if you want more features, it will cost more, but there are options to suit every budget.
Whether you just need a basic bump-androll vac or an intelligent-mapping model that will clean your washboard while you're away, we've got the best robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 has excellent object-avoidance technology, maneuvering around toys and furniture without getting stuck. It's WiFi-connected and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your phone to schedule cleanings or remotely control the vac.
Check out our guide to robotic vacuums and our guide to robotic mops to learn more tips. Don't forget to check the cutoff dates for shipping to ensure that your holiday gift is on time.